All-American Jersey Presentation: Navy Honors Ace Alston at Anderson High School

Sailors from Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Ohio River Valley (ORV) presented Ace Alston, a senior and defensive back at Anderson High School, with his 2027 Navy All-American Bowl jersey during a ceremony held on campus before his classmates, teammates, friends, family, and faculty, Oct. 6, in Cincinnati.

The jersey presentation is part of this year’s “Road to the Dome” tour, which began in September. Sponsored by NBC Sports in partnership with America’s Navy, this nationwide tour highlights the top high school football players selected to compete in the Navy All-American Bowl, where East Coast and West Coast athletes will meet on the gridiron in San Antonio this January. The tour also recognizes the coaches and educators who helped shape these players’ success.

Alston, who will be a starting freshman at the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 2027, thanked his family, his unwavering faith, his coaches and teammates, and teachers for their support.

“I’m thankful to celebrate this event with my family, coaches, and friends,” said Alston. “It means a lot to me and appreciate my mom and dad and my little brother, so much. This is a surreal moment and having my teammates coming out and supporting me and this journey isn’t over yet.”

Alston spoke about the rest of the football season, including the upcoming playoffs, with hopes of bringing home that coveted state championship. Alston is also looking forward to the All-American Bowl and his future endeavors at Notre Dame.

“Thank you all for standing by me and having my back,” Alston told the crowd. “I’ll see you all practice today.”

Football and the Navy both demand teamwork, dedication, and the toughness—physical and mental—needed to succeed. Coach for Anderson High School, Evan Dreyer, believes Alston’s hard work, character and dedication have made him an asset to his team that will continue to the All-American Bowl in January.

“While many talk about wanting greatness, Ace Alston has spent countless hours turning that desire into reality,” said Dreyer. “His relentless commitment to improvement hasn’t just elevated his own game, it has help raise the standard for our program.”

“Ace doesn’t just show up to play,” Dreyer continued. “He shows up to dominate, proving that an elite mindset is forged through sacrifice and pure dedication.”

Presenting the jersey on behalf of the Navy, Cmdr. Ryan Decker, executive officer, NTAG ORV, addressed students about discipline, diligence, and the value of continuous learning.

“I was also a student-athlete sitting in the same pep rallies you are sitting in today, but it was in a small school in the back woods of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Decker. “That is when I made a life changing decision to enlist in the Navy at 18. That service has given me the chance to do things I never would have done otherwise. The Navy, like football, provides a platform where authenticity and individuality are recognized and commended. Football is a competitive environment that requires loyalty, split-second decision making, and effective communication under pressure, which are all very important to a career in the Navy.”

Decker also credited Alston’s teammates and coaches for their role in his success.

“In order to become better tomorrow, you must surround yourself with the best today,” said Decker. “We would like to honor the entire Raptors football team for the support and commitment you have shown to each other and your school.”

As part of this year’s Navy All-American jersey presentations, each player was asked to identify a teacher who has had a strong influence on his life. Alston recognized educator Ella Campos, thanking her with a Navy All-American Bowl football, which he signed for her following the ceremony.

The partnership with America’s Navy will celebrate the honor and prestige that comes with the selection process, Road to the Dome tour, and Bowl week, culminating with the Navy All-American Bowl Awards Show and the Navy All-American Bowl.

The 2027 Navy All-American Bowl will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2027, at 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM local time) inside the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock featuring the nation’s top 100 high school players in the 27th annual East vs. West game, presented in partnership with the U.S. Navy.

NTAG ORV has 56 recruiting locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky, southern West Virginia and southern Indiana, recruiting high-quality applicants for the U.S. Navy covering more than 110,000 square miles.

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